God Is Still on the Throne

Words: Kittie Louise Jennett Suffield (b. Sept 16, 1884; d. Oct. 23, 1972)
Music: Kittie Louise Jennett Suffield

Note: Before her conversion at the age of nineteen, Mrs. Suffield had hopes of becoming a concert artist, either as a coloratura soprano or a pianist. But when she came to Christ, she dedicated all of her gifts to His service. This song was written in 1929, when the Suffields were in Portland, Oregon. Check out the Wordwise link below for the remarkable story of how Kitty met her husband-to-be, Fred, and also the influence she had on another well known gospel singer.

(Stanza numbers in brackets below refer to the stanza number in The Cyber Hymnal. Find the link at the bottom of the article.)

On December 11, 1936, Edward VII stunned the English people and the entire British Empire by announcing over the radio, “You must believe me when I tell you that I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.” with that, he abdicated the throne–the only British monarch to do so voluntarily.

Edward had known Wallis Warfield Simpson for several years, but the potential “Abdication Crisis” rocked the nation through the months of 1936. Mrs. Simpson was an American and a divorcee (Edward was to be her third husband), and this was not an acceptable match, either to the Parliament or the Church of England (of which Edward was the titular head).

Aren’t you glad Almighty God does not stray into some dubious alliance and selfishly decide to abdicate His throne?

“The LORD is King forever and ever” (Ps. 10:16; 29:10). “The LORD shall reign forever” (Ps. 146:10). “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all” (Ps. 103:19). “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom” (Ps. 145:13). “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen” (I Tim. 1:17).

God is the “invisible” One, enthroned “in heaven.” The Apostle John was actually caught up into heaven and privileged to see that throne (Rev. 4:1-2), but that isn’t something we are able to do. Not yet. We know the Lord reigns, and reigns forever, because it is clearly taught in the Word of God. It’s something we know by faith. But our own senses sometimes seem to argue otherwise.

When world events evidence seemingly endless pain and suffering, and rampant wickedness, where is God? Is He still in control? In fact, David’s enemies mocked him with that very question: “Where is your God?” (Ps. 42:3, 10). “How come He isn’t helping you?” in other words. And there are times when we struggle with these issues. But Kittie Suffield’s song is a strong declaration of faith that, indeed, God has not abdicated His throne. Current circumstances notwithstanding, God is still in control, and working out His sovereign plan.

That’s true, even when we see “ones that once walked on the highway [go] back, and [we] seem all alone” (1). It’s true, even when we grow weary with the burdens of life (2). It’s true, even when we struggle financially “in a tent or a cottage” (3), and even when the Lord seems to have “forgotten His own” (4).

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Lk. 12:32). God is indeed still enthroned in glory, and nothing happens to us that is beyond His sovereign control and ability to turn to a good purpose. Further, we know that one day He’ll return, and make all things right (Acts 1:10-11).

(4) He is coming again, is the promise
To disciples when He went away;
In like manner as He has gone from you,
You will see Him returning some day;
Does His tarrying cause you to wonder,
Does it seem He’s forgotten His own?
His promise is true, He is coming for you;
God is still on the throne.

God is still on the throne,
And He will remember His own;
Tho’ trials may press us and burdens distress us,
He never will leave us alone;
God is still on the throne,
He never forsaketh His own;
His promise is true, He will not forget you,
God is still on the throne.

Questions:

1. What things in the world, or in your own life, can sometimes raise doubts about God’s presence and power?
2. What is your answer to those who question your hope in Christ (I Pet. 3:15)?

Links:

• 16 September 1884 – Kitty Suffield Born
• God is Still on the Throne (The Cyber Hymnal)